Lakeside Nature Center

The Lakeside Nature Center in KC MO is owned and operated by the City of Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation Department. It is located in Swope Park, which is one of Missouri’s largest wildlife rehabilitation facilities. Swope Park is an 1,800-acre wooded park that also houses the Kansas City Zoo, Starlight Theater, Blue River Golf Course, Swope Memorial Golf Course, a Disc Golf Course, Swope Park Pool, ball fields, picnic areas, and a pond for fishing. The award-winning facility, designed by International Architects Atlier, Inc., opened in 1999. Lakeside Nature Center has the second largest wildlife rehabilitation program in Missouri and is the only one in the state to combine wildlife rehabilitation with extensive environmental education programming. 

The Lakeside Nature Center provides educational and recreational opportunities that focus on the environment. The center houses approximately 75 animals, including two bald eagles, two turkey vultures, three barred owls, three varieties of hawks and two Kestrel falcons. The center’s oldest resident is Wilma the ornate box turtle. Inside the center, there are large aquariums with fish and turtles, a bald eagle exhibit, a weathering area with owls and hawks and numerous snake displays. 

It is a great place to learn about local native wildlife, including birds of prey, snakes, amphibians, turtles, fish and invertebrates. Visitors can enjoy the hiking trails and wildflowers, and butterfly gardens that surround Lakeside. There are a number of special events, such as Magic Woods, Breakfast with Beasts, Earth Day, BUGS!, throughout the year that provide a great learning experience for everyone. 

Kauffman Legacy Park

Langley Recycling Inc. Kansas City